Page 100 of The Secrets of Dragonfly Lodge

‘I think you’re right,’ Nancy said softly, ‘but it was many years ago and we’re both old now. I’ve forgiven him. We’re friends again, good friends.’

And now Stef was hurrying to join them. She took Nancy’s hand and squeezed it. ‘Nancy, your speech was wonderful. Everybody is saying so. Thank you so much.’ Stef looked so happy, Nancy thought with a rush of affection as she squeezed back.

‘I’ll leave you two to it,’ Sarah murmured. ‘I want a quick word with your editor about the next book. See you again in a moment.’

‘The next book?’ Nancy enquired. ‘You’ve only just published this one.’

‘I know. And I’m going to have a baby. Somehow I’ll have to fit it all in. They’re giving me plenty of time. It’s the biography of a 1960s woman artist whose archive has just been released. Should be very interesting!’

‘Stef.’ Nancy shook her head. ‘You’re amazing!’

‘Not really. I’m actually quite nervous. I’ve never been a mum before!’

Nancy smiled. ‘I know you’ll be a good one, Stef. Better than I was, though I did my best.’ She sighed, thinking of her estranged daughter. ‘I’m thoroughly enjoying being a grandmother and great-grandmother, though! I can’t wait to meet your little one!’

‘I’ll tell you a secret,’ Stef whispered. ‘We’ve discovered it’s a girl. We’re still discussing her first name, but we’ve already decided that her middle name will be Nancy!’